Container deposit scheme would increase beer price, brewers claim

A national container deposit scheme (CDS) would increase the cost of beer, the Brewers Association has claimed.

“COAG [the Council of Australian Governments] should not consider options that would unfairly penalise the beer industry and its customers, nor increase the price that Australians pay for their favourite beer. As such, a mandatory scheme is simply not the answer,” said Denita Wawn, CEO of the Brewers Association.

“The consideration of a national container deposit scheme flies in the face of governments’ desire to reduce green tape.

“Our industry supports an active commitment to responsible product stewardship and our members voluntarily invest in packaging optimisation, recycling and litter-reduction initiatives.”

Litter-reduction policies should represent best-available cost and efficiency, Wawn said, as well as being environmentally friendly. They should also be non-discriminatory in applying to all packaging, not just beverages, said Wawn.

“The objective to reduce litter and increase recycling can be achieved without a costly mandatory scheme. We urge governments to instead invest in a partnership model which may include better funding of the Australian Packaging Covenant with dedicated packaging litter and recycling programs,” Wawn said.